Modular system for a vehicle

ABSTRACT

An overhead rail system for a vehicle interior includes an elongated rail configured to extend at least partially along a headliner panel within the vehicle interior. A longitudinal opening extends at least partially along a length of the rail. An article has a housing and a movable panel. The movable panel is configured to provide access to an object. A holder is coupled to the article and has a catch configured to coact with the opening in the rail, so that the article is mountable to the rail proximate the headliner panel for use by occupants within the vehicle interior.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to the following patent applications: U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/316,162 titled “Modular System for a Vehicle” filed on Dec. 10,2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,827,384 which claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/846,811 titled “Modular System for a Vehicle”filed May 1, 2001 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,260 issued on Dec. 30, 2003)which are both incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a modular system for a vehicle. Thepresent invention relates more particularly to an overhead rail systemfor articles in a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Modular storage compartments in the forward portion of vehicles aregenerally known and include consoles and structures for mounting itemssuch as lamps, small storage compartments and electronic instrumentationsuch as compasses, temperature displays and clocks. Such modular systemstypically have mounting configurations that permanently attach sucharticles to a structural portion of the vehicle, whereby installation ofarticle options are typically conducted in a factory setting duringvehicle construction and often requires user-selection of the desiredarticles prior to vehicle assembly, or user acceptance of preinstalledoption packages.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a modular system forinterchangably mounting a wide array of selectively removable,user-oriented articles that are adapted for use within, or inconjunction with, a vehicle. It would also be advantageous to providesuch a modular system along substantially the entire length of theinterior overhead portion of a vehicle as well as the interior sides ofa vehicle, or within the interior cargo space of a vehicle. It wouldalso be advantageous to provide a modular system that provides concealeddistribution of utilities from vehicle utility supply sources to theinterchangably selected articles. It would be further advantageous toprovide a modular system whereby certain classes of articles are capableof installation only in predetermined portions of a vehicle area tominimize potential distractions to a vehicle operator.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a system for attaching articles withina vehicle. The system includes at least one rail for attachment to anoverhead portion of the vehicle and an opening extending substantiallyalong the rail. An article has a housing to receive an object within thehousing. A holder has a first portion coupled to the article and asecond portion configured to releasably engage the opening at a locationalong the rail, so that the article and the object are removablysupported by the rail.

The present invention also relates to an overhead rail system for avehicle interior. The system includes an elongated rail configured toextend at least partially along a headliner panel within the vehicleinterior. A longitudinal opening extends at least partially along alength of the rail. An article has a housing and a movable panelconfigured to provide access to an object and a holder is coupled to thearticle and has at least one catch to coact with the opening in therail, so that the article is mountable to the rail proximate theheadliner panel for use by occupants within the vehicle interior.

The present invention further relates to an overhead system for use in avehicle interior. The system includes a headliner panel and at least onerail connected to the headliner panel by connectors and configured toface the vehicle interior. An opening along the rail configured toengage at least one article for use within the vehicle interior.

The present invention also relates to a modular overhead console systemfor an interior portion of a vehicle and includes at least one railmember attached to an overhead panel within the vehicle with an openingextending substantially along the rail member. A module has a housingcapable of receiving an object within the housing. A holder is coupledto the module and has at least one projection to engage the opening, sothat the module is attachable to the rail member for positioning withinan overhead interior area of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an upward-looking perspective view of a modular system mountedon a vehicle interior according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2A is an upward looking perspective view of a modular system withend cover trim pieces according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is an upward looking perspective view of a modular system withend cover trim pieces removed according to the embodiment of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a downward looking perspective view of a modular systemaccording to the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of a modular system according to theembodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an upward looking bottom view of a modular system according tothe embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a modular system along line 6—6 ofFIG. 3 according to a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a holder in an engaged position fora modular system along line 7—7 of FIG. 5 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is the cross sectional view of the holder of FIG. 7 in a releasedposition.

FIG. 9 is the cross sectional view of a holder in an engaged positionfor a modular system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is the cross sectional view of the holder of FIG. 9 in areleased position.

FIG. 11 is the cross sectional view of a holder in an engaged positionfor a modular system according to a further embodiment.

FIG. 12 is the cross sectional view of the holder of FIG. 11 in areleased position.

FIG. 13 is the cross sectional view of a holder in an engaged positionfor a modular system according to yet another embodiment.

FIG. 14 is the cross sectional view of the holder of FIG. 13 in areleased position.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a module adapted to receive othermodules according to one embodiment.

FIG. 15B is another perspective view of a module adapted to receiveother modules according to the embodiment of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15C is an exploded perspective view of a module adapted to receiveother modules according to the embodiment of FIG. 15C.

FIG. 16A is a top view of a module adapted to receive other modulesaccording to another embodiment.

FIG. 16B is an end view of a module adapted to receive other modulesaccording to the embodiment of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16C is a bottom view of a module adapted to receive other modulesaccording to the embodiment of FIG. 16A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a modular system 10 for mounting one or morearticles 20 is shown schematically (exemplary articles will be furtherdescribed herein) along an interior panel 24 (e.g. door or side panel,cover, headliner, etc.) of a vehicle according to an embodiment. System10 may also be adapted for mounting articles 20 along the sides of thevehicle such as door or side panels, or within the interior space of thevehicle such as cargo areas, etc. System 10 is shown to include twogenerally parallel mounting members 30 such as rails, tracks, channels,holders, bars, rods, poles, etc. that are oriented in a longitudinalconfiguration within a vehicle along interior panel 24. Rails 30 areshown to have a lateral spacing that is generally fixed for a particularvehicle style, but the spacing may vary between different vehicle stylesand models and may have any lateral spacing suitable for mountingarticles 20. One or more positioners 31 (shown schematically as backbrackets in FIG. 3) may be used to secure the lateral spacing of rails30 for receiving articles 20. For overhead applications, rails 30 may beoriented longitudinally and centered laterally within the vehicle, butmay be located at any lateral position on the interior panel 24 toaccommodate mounting of articles 20. In an alternative embodiment, therails may be separated into a forward segment and/or a rearward segment(not shown) for adapting to roof windows or other discontinuities inroof structures. The rails may also be oriented laterally along aninterior panel to increase the flexibility and utility of the system forinterchangeably receiving the articles. In another alternativeembodiment, a single rail may be used in conjunction with articles thatare adapted to selectively and interchangeably engage a single rail. Ina further alternative embodiment, the rail(s) may be mounted to pillars(not shown) or other support columns within the interior space of avehicle to provide a system for attaching articles. Such pillars may besecured by brackets or fixtures mounted to the rails for increasedflexibility in attaching various articles to the rails.

Referring to FIG. 6, the structural shape of rails 30 are shownaccording to an embodiment. Rails 30 have a generally hollow crosssectional shape (as shown schematically in FIG. 6), and include agenerally flat base 32 (e.g. back, contact surface, etc.) on the top ofrail 30 with several longitudinal ribs 34 projecting therefrom. One pairof ribs 34 are provided at the outside edges and are intended to gripthe surface of interior panel 24 and another pair of ribs 34 are locatedcentrally for alignment with connectors 190 or 60 when rails 30 aresecured to the roof structure. Rails 30 further include integral sides36 having a recess 38 (e.g. notch, inset, slot, groove, channel, etc.)forming an outwardly projecting supporting ledge 40 (e.g. corner,shoulder, edge, etc.). Recesses 38 and ledges 40 are intended to providean external structure for receiving and supporting articles 20 (shownschematically) having corresponding structure adapted to mate with orengage ledges 40. According to the illustrated embodiment ledge 40 ishorizontal, and ledge 40 and recess 38 form an angle of approximately 90degrees or less for providing a structure for receiving holders tosupport articles 20. In an alternative embodiment, the rails may have acircular cross sectional shape (not shown) or any other shape where theexterior surface is configured to provide structure for receiving andsupporting the articles. In another alternative embodiment, the railsmay have a second recess and ledge for providing an alternative articlemounting interface and providing interlocks that may prohibit or allowinstallation of certain articles along particular locations of therails.

Beneath ledges 40, sides 36 are shown to include inwardly curved lowersections 42 that terminate into a return bend 44 providing internalcorners 46 to create a longitudinal opening 48. Opening 48 creates apassage 50 (e.g. channel, path, conduit, tunnel, etc.) within rails 30for routing utility carriers such as wires, cables, fiber optics, etc.as shown schematically in FIGS. 5 and 6. A removable cap 52 is providedgenerally along the entire length of rail 30 having a cover 54 to coveropening 48 and retain the utility carriers, and may have a flush fitwith rail 30, or may have projecting contours, ribs, or other decorativeor useful structure (not shown). Cap 52 includes two inwardly projectinglegs 56 that fit within opening 48 and are removably retained in placeby an interference type, snap-fit engagement with return bends 44.Opening 48 may be entirely or partially concealed by inserting one ormore caps 52 having various lengths tailored to create an access patternof “gaps” between the caps. The access pattern may be created ormodified at any time for providing access to opening 48 along the lengthof rail 30. Rail 30 and cap 52 are preferably made of acrylonitrilebutiadene styrene (ABS) plastic in an extrusion process, and may beprovided in a wide variety of colors designed to accent an interior trimcolor scheme. Alternatively, rails 30 and cap 52 may be made of aluminumor any other suitable material, wherein rails 30 and/or cap 52 may alsoserve as a conductor for transmitting low voltage electrical power froma vehicle supply source to articles 20 mounted on rails 30. The outersurface of the aluminum rails is preferably anodized which provides aninsulating layer on the exterior of the rail, which may be selectivelyremoved to provide a custom-tailored electrical conductivity accesspattern. Portions of rails 30 and cap 52 that are not otherwise enclosedby articles 20 may also have a separate insulating cover (not shown)that snap fits into recesses 38 and ledges 40 to electrically isolaterails 30 from consumer contact or inadvertent contact with an electricalground. Rails 30 and cap 52 may also be made of any other materialsuitable for forming an elongated support member and receiving mountingstructure from articles 20 to be supported therefrom.

Referring to FIG. 4, rails 30 are shown secured to the vehicle accordingto one embodiment. Rails 30 may have ends attached directly to the frameof the roof structure (e.g. crossbows, headers, etc.), or rails 30 maybe attached to the roof frame via fixtures shown schematically asbrackets 58. Brackets may also be provided to support the ends of railsegments that abut a roof discontinuity such as a sunroof, etc. Theforward and rearward end connections of rails 30 are shown covered bysuitable trim components such as a bezel or molding 12. Rails 30 mayhave a side profile that is straight, or a side profile that is slightlycurved or bowed (not shown) to correspond generally with the profile ofpanel 14 (shown as a roof panel). In an alternative embodiment, therails may be secured to door panel structures or to pillars or othersupport columns within the interior of the vehicle. Such support columnsmay be permanently fixed to the interior vehicle structure or may beremovably or retractably attached to vehicle structure such as thefloor, roof or sides of the vehicle to create a modular system forattaching articles within any interior location of a vehicle. Accordingto another alternative embodiment, the ends of rails 30 may be rigidlyattached to the roof frame, such as at the forward and rearward edges,by welding, brazing or fastening with conventional fasteners.

Referring further to FIGS. 4 and 6, a structural support system for theinterior span of rails 30 is shown according to an embodiment. Theinterior span of rails 30 are coupled to the roof structure of thevehicle using connectors 190 (e.g. Z-axis clips) having a spacer portion192 with spring clip 194. Fastener 196 may be used to secure rail 30 tospacer portion 192 and for securing spacer portion 192 to spring clip194 to ensure the structural integrity of system 10. Spacer portion 192may project through an aperture 70 in panel 24 to provide secureabutment with the back of rail 30, and supports 198 may projectoutwardly from spacer portion 192 to provide support to panel 24 aroundaperture 70. Connectors 190 are attached to one or more lateral framemembers 16 (e.g. beams, roof bows, door panels, floor panels, crossheaders, etc.) at a lateral position along frame member 16 correspondingto the installation position of rails 30.

Another connector type may be used such as that shown by connector 60 inFIG. 6. Connectors 60 have a spacer portion 61 and a base portion 62coupled to a platform 64 that is attached to frame member 16 byfinned-plugs 66 (e.g., “Christmas tree connectors”) or by a structuraladhesive (not shown) such as “BETAMATE 73705” which is a polyurethaneadhesive manufactured by the Dow Chemical Corporation and availablethrough Sound Alliance, LLC located in Auburn Hills, Mich. The end ofconnector 60 opposite from base 62 has a pedestal section 68 thatextends through aperture 70 in panel 24 to engage base 32 of rails 30.The end of pedestal 68 is configured to abut ribs 34, and an aprojection (not shown) may be provided extending from the end ofpedestal 68 and configured to be captured between longitudinal ribs 34to improve lateral stability of rails 30. Connectors 60 are furthershown to include supports 74 (wings, braces, arms, etc.) to support theback surface of panel 24 in the proximity of aperture 70. Connectors 190and 60 are preferably made from ABS, polycarbonate or other suitableplastic and spring clip 194 is made from heat-treated spring steel orwire, however, connectors 190 and 60 may have any shape and materialcomposition appropriate for transferring the load from system 10 throughrails 30 to frame member 16, and connector 60 may be attached to framemember 16 by any suitable means providing the appropriate tensilestrength. Connectors 190 and 60 have a spacer length corresponding tothe gap 75 between frame member 16 and panel 24. Following panel 24installation over pedestal 68 of connectors 60 in the vehicle, rails 30may be positioned over panel 24 and aligned with connectors 190 or 60,whereby rails 30 are secured by a threaded fastener 196 or 76 throughbase 32 and into connector 190 or 60. In alternative embodiments, otherconnector structures may be used such as solid blocks (not shown), andthe panel may be provided without apertures whereby a fastenerpenetrates the base, panel and the connector. In another alternativeembodiment, the rails may be bowed into a shallow arch-like profile andinstalled with a compression fit between the forward and rearward endsof the roof frame, or other vehicle structure such as floor and roofpanels, thus obviating or minimizing the need for mid-span connectors.Further, the rails may be mounted against the panel, or alternativelythe panel segments may be positioned around the rails. In a furtheralternative embodiment, connectors may include a two-piece reclosablefastener system (not shown) such as “DUAL LOCK”® having mushroom-headshaped projections and manufactured by the Minnesota Mining andManufacturing Company, or by a nylon “VELCRO”® hook and fastenerstructure available from Velcro USA Inc. located in Manchester, N.H.

Referring further to FIG. 1, a variety of articles 20 may be mounted torails 30 according to any exemplary embodiment. Articles 20 may includestorage compartments (with or without key-lock access control) tailoredto hold tissues, sunglasses, remote control devices, wireless phones,pagers, personal data assistants (PDA), walkie-talkies, binoculars,cameras, first aid or road-side emergency kits, tools, baby-careproducts and supplies, arts and crafts supplies, toys, sporting goods,books, maps, hunting and fishing equipment, and many other articles forwhich readily accessible storage in a vehicle may be useful. Suchstorage compartments may either be fixed or designed for pull-down,drop-down or rotational access where the compartment is recessed duringstorage and extended for access during usage. Articles 20 may alsoinclude handles, brackets, fixtures (e.g. “starter block”) for mountingracks, cages, or support pillars for optionally receiving rails 30 tomount additional articles 20 in a cargo area, lighting equipment, poweradapters and outlets, lighters; visual display screens; audio equipment;media displays; digital video disc players; GPS receivers; cargo storageracks, straps or tie-downs; garment hangers, rods or racks; insulatedhot or cold-storage containers, mobile office workstation components,portable air compressors or vacuum cleaners, cargo netting and holders;occupant safety features; specially-adapted consumer-use products suchas travel tables, camping gear, pet barriers, luggage, etc.; bracketshaving rigid, swiveling or rotating couplers for removably receivingsuch consumer use products; storage racks having fixed or retractablesupport members for storing skis or other gear; and any other articleswhich may be useful in conjunction with traveling, working or othervehicle use.

Referring to FIG. 15A through 15C an article configured as a moduleadapted to receive other modules (e.g. sub-modules, etc.) is shownaccording to a preferred embodiment. Module 200 (e.g. “starter module”,“carrier module”, etc.) is shown generally as a storage bin or modulehaving a housing 202 (e.g. cover, trim piece, etc.), a base 204 (e.g.liner, receptacle, frame, etc.) defining a storage space 206 (e.g.cavity, hollow, recess, etc.), and a panel 208 (e.g. door, closure,flap, etc.). Base 204 and storage space 206 are configured to receiveother modules (e.g. sub-modules 210, etc.—shown schematically asportable radios in FIG. 15C) that may be designed as after-marketproducts or articles for use or installation by consumers, dealers, etc.Sub-modules 210 may be any suitable article configured for use, storageor display within storage space 210 and adapted for use within orexterior to a vehicle. Utilities (e.g. power, voice, data, etc.) may beprovided to the sub-modules through suitable utility carriers 212 (e.g.wires, etc.) that may interface with other utility carriers routedthrough elongated rails 30 (as shown schematically in FIG. 6) or above aheadliner panel (or other panel such as a door panel, trim panel, etc.)and configured to interface via a suitable connector 214 (e.g. of aconventional type). Utility carrier 212 is adapted to provide utilities(e.g. electrical power, data signals, communication signals, etc.) tothe sub-modules via suitable connectors (e.g. of a conventional type—notshown). According to any preferred embodiment, the sub-modules may beDVD players, MP3 players/hard drives, XM radio, Blue Connect module,personal data assistant (PDA) and/or mobile phone charging station,Homelink and TravelNote modules, audio speakers, amplifiers, batterypacks, power inverters, first aid kits, hand-held radios (e.g. two-wayradios, walkie-talkies, etc.), GPS units, tool kits, extendable lights,fishing tackle boxes, camping modules, a hand-held vacuum cleaner, smallappliances, mobile phone holders, hands-free phone systems, personaldata assistant (PDA) holders, sunglass holders, CD/DVD holders, garmenthanging bars, air purifiers, pet guards, satellite radio receivers, orany other suitable device for installation within a module having a binor other storage compartment. According to an alternative embodiment,the elongated rails may be serve as a conductor for delivering utilitiesto the sub-modules.

Base 204 is coupled to housing 202 to form a module suitable forreceiving sub-modules and attaching to the elongated rails 30 (as shownschematically in FIG. 1). According to a particularly preferredembodiment, base 204 is coupled to housing 202 by suitable fasteners (ofa conventional type through suitable structure shown schematically, forexample, as tabs or bosses 216 in FIG. 15C). Base 204 further comprisesa holder 220 (e.g. clip, clamp, connector, etc.) that may have anysuitable form for coupling module 202 to elongated rail 30. According toany preferred embodiment, holder 220 may be in the form of any suitableholder, such as but not limited to holder 100, 120, 140 or 180 (to befurther described in reference to FIGS. 7–14). According to aparticularly preferred embodiment, holder 220 is in the form of a holder180 as shown schematically in FIGS. 7 and 8) and is configured toreleasably engage recess 38 and/or ledge 40.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment the sub-modules aremountable to an interface such as a bracket 230 (e.g. shell, frame,support, etc.) that is mountable within storage space 206 so that thesub-modules may be retained within storage space 206 and concealedbehind panel 208. Bracket 230 may have any suitable shape or contour formounting within storage space 206 (e.g. flat as shown schematically inFIG. 15C, but may also be recessed with angled sides, rounded sides,etc.). The sub-modules may be mounted to the bracket in any suitablemanner to secure the sub-modules to the bracket. For example, thesub-modules may be attached to the bracket by couplers such asselectively releasable structure such as resilient clips or brackets,straps, hook-and-loop fasteners, slide-locks, twist/turn locks, or anyother suitable attachment device (not shown). The bracket may be mountedto the base or the module in any suitable manner to retain thesub-module within the storage space (e.g. spring clips, slot-and-tabconnectors, etc.—not shown). According to a particularly preferredembodiment, bracket 230 has a rectangular shape with angled sides 232that corresponds (e.g. fits, nests, etc.) with the interior overheadshape of the base and storage space within module 200 (as shown in FIG.16B) and is secured by a series of fasteners 234 (shown schematically assix screws) that are received in corresponding connection points (shownschematically as bosses 236) on base 204. Bosses 236 may be provided inany suitable pattern to provide retention of bracket 230 and sub-module210 within module 200.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, bosses 236 areconfigured in a pattern that provides three bosses on a first side ofthe module and three bosses on an opposite side of the module (as shownin FIGS. 16A and 16C). Bracket 230 is configured with a pattern ofconnection points (shown schematically as apertures 238) that correspondto the pattern on base 204 for attachment of bracket 230 to base 204.Bosses 236 may be provided as non-threaded and apertures 238 in bracketmay be threaded to receive fasteners 234 such that bracket 230 may besecured to the inside of module 200 within storage area 206 in a mannerthat conceals the fasteners from when viewed from the interior of thevehicle. According to an alternative embodiment, the bracket may attachwithin the module in any suitable manner, such as by snap-fit,twist-lock connectors, slide-locks, magnetic attraction, adhesive, hookand loop fasteners (e.g. VELCRO®, etc.) or other conventional attachmentdevices. According to another alternative embodiment, fasteners (e.g.threaded fasteners, etc.) may be used in any pattern and attachmentconfiguration that is suitable for mounting the bracket within themodule. According to a further alternative embodiment, the pattern ofconnection points on the module and bracket may be provided in anon-symmetric configuration that permits the bracket to be installed inonly one orientation within the storage area. According to a furtheralternative embodiment, the bracket may be omitted and the sub-modulesmay be attached directly to the base. According to a further alternativeembodiment, the panel may have retention structure (e.g. pocket, slots,tabs, clips, brackets, etc.) on an inward side of the panel to securethe sub-modules to an interior side of the panel such that thesub-module may be concealed within the storage space when the panel isin a closed position and the sub-modules may be accessed from the panelwhen the panel is moved to an open position.

According to any preferred embodiment, the carrier module is configuredto provide an internal storage space and connection points in a patternadapted to receive a sub-module having a bracket or other suitablestructure having a corresponding pattern of interfacing connectionpoints. The base and the bracket may be provided in any shape or contourand adapted to releasably retain a wide variety of articles that maystored within the carrier module. The pattern of interfacing connectionpoints may utilize any suitable type of connectors and provided in anysuitable pattern for coupling the sub-module to the module. Thesub-modules may be non-energized (or otherwise configured for usewithout a utility supply) or may be energized (or otherwise configuredto interface with a utility supply) from the vehicle.

Articles 20 are adapted to be selectively positionable along rails 30,however, articles that may deemed to create a distraction to the vehicleoperator, such as video displays and the like, are provided with amounting interlock feature which prevents their installation in certainprohibited positions along the rails, for example, allowing videomonitors to be installed only in a rearward portion of the vehicle. Theinterlock function may be accomplished by altering the cross sectionalshape or profile of a portion of the rails or providing a second recessand ledge, etc. (not shown). Particular articles 20 may be provided witha mounting profile for engaging rails 30 that includes a projection (notshown) that extends into passage 50 whereby installation of a blank (notshown) within a particular portion of passage 50 along rail 30 willprevent mounting such articles in the selected locations. Alternatively,installation of articles may be selectively restricted by otherwisealtering the profile of the rails to fit only selected article mountingprofiles and may be accomplished by adding a shim (or the like—notshown) along one or more sides of rail 30 or in connection with thepassageway of the rail.

As shown generally in FIGS. 7–14, articles 20 that are intended forsuspension from a single rail are configured for attachment to the railby a holder having structure for releasably connecting to the recess 38and ledge 40 on each side of a rail 30. Articles 20 that are intendedfor suspension from two rails 30 are configured with a holder on oneside of the article for attaching to the recess 38 and ledge 40 on oneor both sides of the first rail 30, and having a second holder on theopposite side of the article for attaching to the recess 38 and ledge 40on one or both sides of the second rail.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a component for attaching articles 20 torails 30 are shown according to one embodiment. A holder 180 (e.g.clamp, spring, clip, etc.) is positioned within an attachment profile 22(e.g. channel, slot, groove, recess, valley, indent, etc.) on article 20to align with rail 30 and is attached to article 20 by a conventionalfastener 102 (shown as a threaded screw but may include finned plugs,adhesive, integral formation, etc.). Holder 180 is configured toresiliently conform to the exterior of rail 30 and includes catches 184(e.g. tabs, ears, dogs, etc.) that are biased inwardly to retain catches184 within recesses 38 on one or both sides of rail 30, whereby catches184 are vertically supported by ledges 40. An article 20 is removablyattached to a rail 30 by aligning holder 180 beneath the rail andexerting force on article 20 whereby catches 184 are forced around sides36 and catches 184 resiliently fit within recesses 38, where ledge 40 ispreferably horizontal (as shown) or angled upwardly and outward to forman angle of 90 degrees or less with recess 38 to ensure secure retentionof catch 184. Holder 180 includes an extension 186 fastened to apivoting latch 188 on an article 20. Extension 186 may be located oneither side of holder 180 for an article 20 adapted for suspension froma single rail, and extension 186 is located on exterior side of holder180 for articles 20 adapted to be suspended from two rails. Pullingdownward (or outward) on latch 188 causes catch 184 to release fromrecess 38 and allow article 20 to be removed from the rail. Theadditional leverage created by releasing a holder 180 from the rail on afirst side of article 20 allows the holder 180 on a second rail to beremoved by rotating article 20 in a downward (or outward) direction. Inan alternative embodiment, an actuator and a clip having an extensionmay be positioned on each side of an article for improved ease inremoving the article from rails. In one embodiment, holder 180 ispreferably made from spring steel stock having dimensions ofapproximately 1 millimeter thick but may be in the range of 0.5–2.0millimeters or other dimensions suitable for providing a resilientholding function for an article 20. However, other materials havingsuitable dimensions and the appropriate rigidity and resiliency such asplastic or hard rubber may be used for holders in alternativeembodiments. Catches 184 on holder 180 may be adapted to engage recesses38 having a height of approximately 9.2 millimeters and a depth ofapproximately 3.1 millimeters, but may be the height in the range of 7to 11 millimeters and the depth may be in the range of 2 to 5millimeters or any other suitable dimensions according to customerspecifications. Catches 184 on holder 180 may also be adapted to engagerecesses 38 on each lateral side of rail 30 wherein the lateral spacebetween the interior of recesses is approximately 33.8 millimeters, butmay be in the range of 26 to 40 millimeters or any other dimensionssuitable according to customer specifications. In other alternativeembodiments having articles adapted for suspension from two rails, aholder on one side of an article may be replaced by a rigid fixture (notshown) designed to engage an exterior recess on a rail, whereby therigid fixture is positioned in place first, then the holder on theopposite side is rotated upward (or inward) and into an engaged positionon its respective rail.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a component for attaching articles 20 torails 30 are shown according to another embodiment. A holder 100 (e.g.clamp, spring, clip, etc.) is positioned within an attachment profile 22(e.g. channel, slot, groove, recess, valley, indent, etc.) on article 20to align with rail 30 and is attached to article 20 by a conventionalfastener 102 (shown as a threaded screw but may include finned plugs,adhesive, integral formation, etc.). Holder 100 is configured toresiliently conform to the exterior of rail 30 and includes catches 104(e.g. tabs, ears, dogs, etc.) that are biased inwardly to retain catches104 within recesses 38 on one or both sides of rail 30, whereby catches104 are vertically supported by ledges 40. An article 20 is removablyattached to a rail 30 by aligning holder 100 beneath rail 30 andexerting a force on article 20 whereby catches 104 are forced aroundsides 36 and catches 104 resiliently fit within recesses 38, where ledge40 is preferably configured horizontally (as shown) or angled upward andoutward to form an angle of 90 degrees or less relative to recess 38.Holder 100 includes an extension 106 configured to resiliently contactan actuator 108 (e.g. pushbutton, etc.) on an article below ledge 40.Extension 106 may be located on either side of holder 100 for an article20 adapted for suspension from a single rail, and extension 106 islocated on exterior side of holder 100 for articles 20 adapted to besuspended from two rails. Extension 106 has a return bend generally inthe shape of an inverted “U” and has sufficient stiffness so thatmanually depressing actuator 108 will outwardly deflect catch 104sufficiently to clear ledge 40 by simultaneously pulling downward onarticle 20. The additional leverage created by releasing a holder 100from a rail 30 on a first side of article 20 is intended to allow theholder 100 on a second rail to be removed by rotating article 20 in adownward (or outward) direction. In an alternative embodiment, anactuator and a clip having an extension may be positioned on each sideof an article for improved ease in removing the article from the rails.In other alternative embodiments having articles adapted for suspensionfrom two rails, a holder on one side of an article may be replaced by arigid fixture (not shown) designed to engage an exterior recess on arail, whereby the rigid fixture is positioned in place first, then theholder on the opposite side is rotated upward (or inward) and into anengaged position on its respective rail.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a component for attaching articles 20 torails 30 is provided according to another embodiment. A holder 120includes a latch 122 (e.g. hook, catch, clasp, etc.) pivotally attachedto article 20 at pivot 124 in a position aligned with an outward side ofa rail 30. Latch 122 has an upper end 126 above pivot 124 with aprojection 128 extending inwardly therefrom that is shaped to engagerecess 38 and ledge 40 of rail 30. Latch 122 also has a lower end 130below pivot 124 that includes an actuator portion 132 cooperating withan aperture 134 in article 20. Latch 122 is biased so that projection128 is urged inwardly and actuator 132 is urged outwardly. Biasing oflatch 122 may be accomplished by a coil spring (not shown) operatingabout the axis of pivot 124, or by a leaf spring (not shown) positionedbetween article 20 and upper end 126. Latch 122 is shown having anobtuse angle shape but may have any suitable shape adapted to provide anactuator surface on article 20 and for engaging rail 30. Latch 122 maybe used in conjunction with an article adapted for suspension from asingle rail, where a single latch 122 is used to engage recess 38 oneside of a rail, and article 20 includes a rigid structure (not shown)designed to engage recess 38 on the opposite side of rail 30. Such anarticle 20 may be removably attached to rail 30 by inserting the rigidstructure over ledge 40 and exerting a force on the opposite side ofarticle 20 whereby latch 122 resiliently rides over outward side 36 ofthe rail and engages recess 38. Latch 122 may also be used inconjunction with an article 20 adapted for suspension from two parallelrails, where a latch 122 is positioned on one or both sides of article20 to engage a recess 38 and ledge 40 on the outward side 36 of rails30. Where a latch 122 is used on only one side of such an article 20, arigid structure (not shown) would be provided on the opposite side ofarticle 20, whereby article 20 is installed by first engaging the rigidstructure to recess 38 and then exerting an upward (or inward) force onthe opposite side of article 20 whereby latch 122 resiliently rides overoutward side 36 of the rail and engages recess 38. In any configuration,article 20 may be selectively released by depressing actuator 132 todisengage projection 128 from recess 38 and then pulling and/or rotatingarticle 20 downward (or outward).

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a component for attaching articles 20 torails 30 is provided according to another embodiment. A latch 142 iscoupled to article 20 and configured for vertical sliding engagementwith a holder 140. Holder 140 is coupled to article 20 and positionedfor alignment with rail 30. Holder 140 is generally “U” shaped to fitaround rail 30, and configured with inwardly projecting catches 144 forengaging recesses 38. The side of holder 140 oriented to engage latch142 is outwardly biased whereby sliding latch 142 downward will allowcatches 144 to deflect outward for removal or installation of article20. Latch 142 is coupled to article 20 in a manner that permitsvertically slidable operation, whereby detent 146 on latch 142 providesa resistance closure with latch 142 in the upward position and catch 144engaged within recess 38.

In an alternative embodiment, the holders may be replaced with fasteners(e.g. set screws configured to engage the rail, etc.) that may beloosened for installation of article 20 on the rails and then thefastener may be tightened to secure the article to the rail, or loosenedfor subsequent repair, replacement, or reorientation within the vehicle.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, a utility interface 160 for system 10 isshown schematically according to a preferred embodiment. Interface 160is included within the cover 12 for communicating with passagewaysthrough the roof structure (not shown) and interfacing with rails 30.Interface 160 includes a series of ports 162 (e.g. connectors,receptacles, jacks, plugs, etc.) for facilitating the interconnection ofconventional utility carriers 163 (e.g. wires, cables, conductors,harnesses, etc.) for delivering utilities (e.g. electrical power, voiceand data communication signals, RF transmission signals, instrumentationsignals, etc.) between a supply source (not shown) and articles 20mounted to rails 30. Utilities may be routed from the utility supplysource (e.g. a battery, antenna, receiver, transmitter, etc.—not shown)through utility carriers 163 that interconnect the supply source and theports 162 provided in interface 160. Utility interface 160 may beprovided in either the forward or rearward portion of the vehicle.

In the illustrated embodiment, utilities may be distributed frominterfaces 160 via additional utility carriers 164 that interconnectbetween interfaces 160 and articles 20. The utility carriers 164 may bedistributed throughout system 10 by routing the carriers 164 throughpassage 50 in rails 30 where the carriers 164 are concealed behind cover54 (shown in FIG. 6) and articles 20. Articles 20 are mounted over rails30 and their covers segments 54. One or more gaps or other openings maybe provided between the cover segments for access and egress ofutilities carriers 164 for interfacing with articles 20, to create autilities access pattern. The access pattern is intended to be adaptableto future changes or modifications in the article selection package bymaking suitable changes in the cover 54. Articles 20 and utilitycarriers 164 may be provided with mating connectors 166 to facilitateease of installation, replacement or reconfiguration of articles 20within the system 10. Alternatively, articles 20 may be provided with afixed length of utility carrier for routing through passage 50 tointerface 160, where the carrier includes a terminal at the outward endconfigured for directly connecting with interface 160. To provideadditional flexibility in distributing utilities to various articles, anarticle 20 may be configured to serve as a utility storage or junctionbox for housing additional utility distribution devices or componentsand for storing excess quantities of utility carrier that may bedesirable for accommodating future changes to the article selectionpackage.

According to another embodiment, low-voltage electrical power in therange of approximately 12–42 volts DC or other suitable voltage rangefor powering articles 20 may be routed to articles 20 via rails 30 thatare fabricated entirely or partially from aluminum or other electricallyconductive material. Rails 30 may also be fabricated from anon-conducting material such as plastic, where a conducting materialsuch as copper or aluminum is integrally formed with rail 30 in theshape of a longitudinal conducting strip, rail or bar (not shown) toprovide a uniform electric current access path from interface 160 toarticles 20. Such conducting material may be affixed the rail byultrasonic welding, molding, interference-type snap insert, or vacuummetallization. Articles 20 may be provided with an electricallyconductive contactor (not shown) that projects outwardly from a surfaceof article 20 and is configured to contact rail 30 or a conducting stripthereon (not shown) and remains concealed between rail 30 and article 20when article 20 is installed on rail 30 to provide a conductiveelectrical path to the article. The contactor may be spring-biased forurging the contactor into continuous contact with rail 30 or aconducting strip when article 20 is mounted on rails 30. In a systemwith two parallel rails, one rail has a positive electrical polarity(i.e. battery potential) and the second rail has a negative electricalpolarity (i.e. ground). For embodiments using a single rail, twolongitudinal conducting strips (not shown) may be used on the rail toprovide positive and negative conductors, corresponding to appropriatelypositioned contactors on the article configured to mount to a singlerail.

Conducting strips may be used as an article “positioning interlock”along the rails by altering the conducting strip longitudinal positionalong the rail to provide a power interlock profile. The power interlockprofile ensures that contactors for certain articles will properlyinterface (i.e. “match-up”) with the conducting strips only when thearticles are installed at certain locations on the rails that correspondto an “approved” position. For example, video display articles may havecontactors positioned to match a conducting strip position correspondingonly to a location rearward of the front seats of the vehicle.Similarly, other consumer articles that may create a distraction to avehicle operator may be electrically interlocked so that they areoperable only when installed in positions that are preestablished by thepower interlock profile. Insulating cover segments (not shown) may beprovided that are adapted to cover portions of the rails that remainexposed after installation of the article selection package to preventconsumer exposure or electrical shorts to ground with the energizedportions of system.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of theelements of the modular system for a vehicle provided herein isillustrative only. Although only a few exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention have been described in detail in this disclosure,those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readilyappreciate that many modifications are possible in these embodiments(such as variations in installation location and orientation within avehicle, sizes, structures, shapes and proportions of the variouselements, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, combinationsof shapes, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachingsand advantages of the invention. For example, the modular system may beused in the interior of any vehicle (such as an automobile, truck, sportutility vehicle, van, boat, airplane, train, construction or farmingequipment, tractor trailer trucks, motor homes and recreationalvehicles, etc.). Further, the carrier modules may be provided in anysuitable shape and may use any suitable type and pattern of connectorsfor attaching sub-modules in a manner to store or conceal thesub-modules when not in use, and to provide access to the modules whendesired by a user. According to other alternative embodiments, themodular system may be used in connection with articles such as campinggear that are designed to adapt to a stationary vehicle environment.Further, it is readily apparent that elongated rails may be provided ina wide variety of shapes, sizes, thickness, and engagement profiles andadapted for installation along the roof, floor and sides of a vehicle,or within a cargo area or other suitable location within a vehicle. Itis also readily apparent that the articles may be designed with anyprofile suitable for attaching to one or more rails and may be adaptedfor slidable movement along the rails. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be within the scope of the invention asdefined in the appended claims.

The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied orre-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, anymeans-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures describedherein as performing the recited function and not only structuralequivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions,modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design,operating configuration and arrangement of the preferred and otherexemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the presentinventions as expressed in the appended claims.

1. A system for attaching articles within a vehicle, comprising: atleast one rail configured for attachment to an overhead portion of thevehicle, the rail defining a pair of opposed support ledges; a channelextending substantially along the rail; one or more covers engagablewith the channel to provide an access pattern to the channel; an articlehaving a housing defining a storage compartment configured to receive anobject; at least one holder having a first portion coupled to thearticle and a second portion configured to engage the channel and movebetween a first position to engage the support ledges and a secondposition to disengage the support ledges; so that the article and theobject are removably supported by the rail.
 2. The system of claim 1wherein the second portion of the holder comprises a resilient clip. 3.The system of claim 1 wherein the rail comprises a pair of substantiallyparallel rails extending longitudinally along at least a portion of aheadliner panel within the vehicle.
 4. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising a utility system for providing electrical power to thearticle.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein the article includes at leastone electrical connector configured to mate with a connector thatprovides a source of electricity from the vehicle.
 6. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the article comprises at least one of a storage device,a communications device and a media device.
 7. The system of claim 1wherein the article comprises a module and the housing comprises a baseconfigured to removably support the object.
 8. The system of claim 7wherein the object comprises at least one of a communication device, amedia device, and a consumer product.
 9. An overhead rail system for avehicle interior, comprising: an elongated rail member configured toextend at least partially along a headliner panel within the vehicleinterior; a longitudinal slot provided at least partially along a lengthof the rail member and defining at least one supporting ledge; anarticle having a housing defining a storage compartment and a movablepanel configured to provide access to an object within the storagecompartment; a holder coupled to the article and having at least onecatch configured to releasably coact with the slot in the rail member,the catch having a flexible member that is movable between a firstposition to engage the support ledge and a second position to releasethe support ledge when the article is located at any one of a pluralityof locations on the rail member; so that the article is mountable to therail member proximate the headliner panel for use by occupants withinthe vehicle interior.
 10. The system of claim 9 wherein the slot facesaway from the headliner panel.
 11. The system of claim 9 wherein theslot comprises a first slot on a first side of the rail member and asecond slot on a second side of the rail member.
 12. The system of claim9 wherein the holder is configured to permit the article to rotaterelative to the rail member.
 13. The system of claim 9 wherein the railmember further comprises at least one electrically conductive stripconfigured to engage at least one contactor on the article.
 14. Thesystem of claim 9 wherein the article is a plurality of articles and theholder is configured to permit the articles to be interchangeablymounted to the rail member.
 15. An overhead system for use in a vehicleinterior, comprising: a headliner panel; at least one rail connected tothe headliner panel by connectors and configured to face the vehicleinterior; a utility interface module coupled to the rail and configuredto transmit at least one of a communication signal and data signal; apair of opposed ledges extending along the rail; a channel along therail proximate at least one of the ledges; and at least one article foruse within the vehicle interior and configured to receive a signal fromthe utility interface module, the article having a latch with aprojection engagable with the channel and configured to be supported bythe opposed ledges to secure the article to the rail.
 16. The system ofclaim 15 further comprising at least one wire routed at least partiallyalong the rail and configured to provide electricity to the article. 17.The system of claim 16 further comprising an electrical connectorcoupled to the wire and configured to connect with an electricalconnector on the article.
 18. The system of claim 15 wherein the railfurther comprises an electrically conductive strip.
 19. The system ofclaim 15 wherein the connectors comprise at least one of a Z-axis clipand a Christmas-tree fastener.
 20. The system of claim 15 furthercomprising a trim piece covering at least one end of the rail.
 21. Thesystem of claim 15 wherein the article comprises a housing configured toreceive an object therein.
 22. The system of claim 21 wherein thearticle is configured to provide a source of electricity to the object.23. A modular overhead console system for an interior portion of avehicle, comprising: at least one rail member configured for attachmentto an overhead panel within the vehicle; a pair of ledges extendingsubstantially along the rail member; a slot extending substantiallyalong the rail member proximate at least one of the ledges to define asupport structure; at least one module having a housing defining astorage compartment capable of receiving an object therein; a holdercoupled to the module and having at least one projection movable betweena first position to engage the support structure and a second positionto disengage the support structure when the module is located at any oneof a plurality of locations on the rail member, so that the module isattachable to the rail member at the location for positioning within anoverhead interior area of the vehicle.
 24. The system of claim 23further comprising an electrically conductive strip extending at leastpartially along the rail member and configured to engage a conductivecontact so that power can be provided to the object.
 25. The system ofclaim 23 wherein the holder comprises a generally U-shaped clip.
 26. Thesystem of claim 23 wherein the projection on the holder is configured toresiliently engage the rail member.
 27. The system of claim 23 whereinthe at least one rail member comprises two generally parallel railmembers.
 28. The system of claim 23 wherein the overhead panel is aheadliner panel.
 29. The system of claim 23 further comprising a latchcoupled to the projection and operable to release the article from therail by disengaging the projection from the slot.
 30. The system ofclaim 23 wherein the object comprises an electronic device.
 31. Thesystem of claim 23 wherein the at least one module is a plurality ofmodules attachable to the rail member.
 32. A modular overhead consolesystem for an interior portion of a vehicle, comprising: at least onerail coupled to an overhead-panel within the vehicle; a pair of supportledges extending at least partially along the rail; a channel extendingat least partially along the rail; one or more covers engagable with thechannel to provide an access pattern to the channel; at least one modulehaving a housing defining a storage compartment capable of receiving atleast one object therein and configured for rotational access by a user;a holder coupled to the module and configured to enter the channel andengage the support ledges, so that the module is attachable to the rail.33. The system of claim 32 wherein the overhead panel comprises aheadliner.
 34. The system of claim 32 wherein the housing furthercomprises a door panel configured to provide drop-down access to theobject.
 35. The system of claim 32 wherein the module is slidable alongthe rail.
 36. The system of claim 32 wherein the module is positionableat a plurality of locations along the rail.
 37. The system of claim 32wherein the rail is configured to provide electrical power to themodule.